Sunday, April 1, 2012

First Spring Outing



The snow melted quickly this spring, and wildflowers were out weeks early. Cheryl and Michelle were able to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park for a painting outing. The weather had been forecast to be 70 degrees, but they woke up to heavy overcast and temperatures in the 40's. It wasn't going to be swimsuit weather! Plein air painters in Minnesota need to be prepared for a variety of weather on any day.

In the park, the forest floor was carpeted with many blooming wildflowers, including hepatica, bloodroot, and Dutchman's breeches. Clumps of green leaves promised more to come, with buds showing on some of the trillium and trout lily. The heavy overcast obliterated all shadows and reduced the landscape to shades of gray, with the flowers keeping themselves closed. It was great to be outside, but the painting opportunities were limited. Cheryl and Michelle set up their easels near a clump of bloodroot and worked on their paintings. It was a day to practice working in narrow value ranges and with limited color, with no paintings to show at the end of the day.

Sometimes a day painting outside, practicing, is its own reward, so that the next painting will be that much better.

Monday, March 12, 2012

We laugh at Winter!



















































Snow pants - check
Long underwear - check
Mukluks - check
Hats/mittens/hand warmers - check
Swimsuit - check!

Plein air painting in the winter has its own set of joys and challenges. Michelle and Cheryl went painting 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail the first week of March, when it is still winter in northern Minnesota. Fresh snow blanketed the area and presented a smorgasbord of scenes to paint. The painters chose to set up by a small river which had started to open. While they painted, it got warmer and warmer. Off with the hat...off with the jacket...off with the snow pants. Still too warm!

We laugh at winter,now you can laugh at us!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Plein Air Painting in Every Season


New paintings and some familiar will be exhibited in Grand Marais at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery. This beautiful log building is the perfect backdrop for scenes painted outdoors, "en plein air", in all seasons. The Grand Marais area offers plenty to do, and they have snow! Come up and enjoy the show. We look forward to seeing you!